Learning a new language is never easy but always rewarding. I’ve been taking Spanish classes now for the past eight years, spent a semester in Spain and am still learning new words and grammar every single day. Language is something you never stop learning.

I’ve picked up a couple of tricks along the way that really help with the process of putting the new language to memory. Here are some of them below — hope they help you in whatever linguistic endeavor you decide to take on!

1. Movies

While you might not think that winding down after a long day of class and watching a Russian documentary sounds relaxing, remember that you don’t always have to watch things that might feed your brain. Rather watch a show just for the sake of helping you with the comprehension of the language itself. I, for example, watch the dumbest Spanish sitcoms or soap operas. While I might not be learning how to cure cancer, it does add new words to my vocabulary (i.e. learning how to angrily tell off an ex-lover can always come in handy).

P.S. if you’re looking for a good show in Spanish, Velvet is my all time fav (on Netflix too!). A classic story of romance, vengeance and of course, a handsome Spaniard as the lead to top it all off. Need I say more?

2. Journaling

This was a tip given to me by my Spanish professor my third year of college. She told me to write down any words that I learned or overheard in classes, daily life, shows, etc. In my “ABCdario” or journal, I would write the word then the definition and a sentence in which it could be used in. It really helps amass new words to add to your ever-expanding repertoire of vocabulary!

3. Reading

Aside from the usually required readings you might have for your language class, learn to go outside of what is required from you. I think a great way to delve into the language is to try and read your daily news in the language itself. I try to do this 2-3 times a week, I’ll pick a country and read a couple of articles on it in Spanish. It really does help to go outside of the classroom to learn!

4. Traveling

This is the absolute best way to learn a language, obviously. After my semester abroad (side note, I’m gonna be super stereotypical here but it literally was the best semester of my life: GO ABROAD), I learned so much about the language, the culture and all of the above.

I 100% get that traveling isn’t always an option but you can find ways to “travel” within your community. Find a new volunteer opportunity that is only done in your target language or find cultural events around you related to the culture you’re studying.

While these might all be tips you’ve heard before, they really do help. Going above and beyond is the only way you’re going to really learn a language and want to keep investing yourself in it.